Abstract, subst. 1) a summary, epitome, abbreviation: “by an a. of success,” Alls IV, 3, 99 (by a successful summary proceeding; cf. Of). “this little a. doth contain that large which died in Geffrey,” John II, 101 (Prince Arthur being, as it were, a copy of his father Geffrey in miniature). “brief a. and record of tedious days,” R3 IV, 4, 28. “they are the a. and brief chronicles of the time,” Hml. II, 2, 548 (Ff --s). “a man who is the a. of all faults,” Ant. I, 4, 9 (a microcosm of sinfulness). “I begged his pardon for return, which soon he granted, being an a. 'tween his lust and him,” III, 6, 61 (the shortest way for him and his desires, the readiest opportunity to encompass his wishes; cf. Between and 'Tween. M. Edd. obstruct, an unheard of substantive!).
2) a short catalogue, an inventory: “he hath an a. for the remembrance of such places,” Wiv. IV, 2, 63.
Shakespeare Lexicon. Alexander Schmidt. Berlin. Georg Reimer. 1902.
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